Microsorum sp. ‘Needle Leaf’ (Needle leaf fern) has strap-shaped leaves that are only 3-5 mm wide and about 5-20(-30) cm long.The term “needle leaf” obviously refers to (at least) two similar Java fern forms that grow to different sizes. Both forms, however, have extremely narrow, band-like leaves in medium to dark green with an undulate margin. The midrib is thick in comparison to the leaf width, and there are dark brown hirsute scales on the underside of the leaf. The distance between the leaves on the rhizome is quite short, and the roots are also quite short. The larger variety is also known as M. pteropus “”Taiwan”” and (incorrectly) as “”Narrow Leaf”” (not identical with M. pteropus “Narrow” from the aquatic plant nursery Tropica). Adult plant leaves are typically more than 5 mm wide, with a maximum width of around 2 cm and a length of 30 cm. The smaller variety, also known as Microsorum spec. “Mini,” has leaves that are only 3 to 5 mm wide. This form grows at a slower rate than the first. Younger plants’ leaves will remain around 10 cm long for a long time, whereas older populations’ leaves can grow up to 30 cm long. It is not impossible that there are additional needle-leaf Java fern varieties.
Genuine “Needle Leaf” Java fern is relatively uncommon in the hobby and extremely difficult to obtain in trade. It is a relatively slow grower, making it ideal for nano aquaria. In the hobby, Microsorum pteropus “”Taiwan Narrow”” is frequently referred to as “”Needle Leaf,”” but it has wider, longer leaves than the true “”Needle Leaf.”
The term “”needle leaf”” obviously refers to (at least) two similar Java fern forms that grow to different sizes. Both forms, however, have extremely narrow, band-like leaves in medium to dark green with an undulate margin. The midrib is thick in comparison to the leaf width, and there are dark brown hirsute scales on the underside of the leaf. The distance between the leaves on the rhizome is quite short, and the roots are also quite short.
The larger variety is also known as M. pteropus “Taiwan” and (incorrectly) as “Narrow Leaf” (not identical with M. pteropus “Narrow” from the aquatic plant nursery Tropica). Adult plant leaves are typically more than 5 mm wide, with a maximum width of around 2 cm and a length of 30 cm.
The smaller variety, also known as Microsorum spec. “Mini,” has leaves that are only 3 to 5 mm wide. This form grows at a slower rate than the first. Younger plants’ leaves will remain around 10 cm long for a long time, whereas older populations’ leaves can grow up to 30 cm long.
It is not impossible that there are additional needle-leaf Java fern varieties.
In the aquarium hobby, Java Fern Needle Leaf is a highly sought-after rarity. This is due to the needle leaf variant’s distinctive thin, slender leaves that grow no wider than half an inch across. This variety’s leaves are the thinnest in the Java Fern family, even thinner than the Java Fern Narrow Leaf variety. Because the leaves easily fill the space and create a mesmerising effect in any planted aquarium, it is a popular background plant or focal point plant.
Because of its beauty and ease of care, the Java fern is one of the most popular aquarium plants in the hobby. They can grow in low light and a variety of water conditions. Using thread or glue, attach the plant directly to driftwood, rocks, or any aquarium decoration. If the rhizomes are not kept above the substrate, the plant will rot. Propagation is simple; simply cut or pull apart rhizomes to be replanted. The Java Fern is a type of epiphytic aquarium plant. This means it can thrive when attached to aquascaping hardscape such as driftwood and stones. The Java Fern will spread via its leaves. Dots on the underside of its leaves are normal and do not indicate a problem.
